CVE-2020-11290
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets affecting multiple device categories. A race condition between ioctl register and deregister events allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. Affected devices include automotive, mobile, wearables, and IoT products using vulnerable Snapdragon processors.
💻 Affected Systems
- Snapdragon Auto
- Snapdragon Compute
- Snapdragon Connectivity
- Snapdragon Consumer IOT
- Snapdragon Industrial IOT
- Snapdragon Mobile
- Snapdragon Wearables
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full device compromise allowing arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installation, data theft, or complete device control.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from user to kernel space, application crashes, or denial of service affecting device stability.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls like SELinux/AppArmor and kernel hardening, impact limited to application crashes or denial of service.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access; no known public exploits as of March 2021 bulletin
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: March 2021 security update
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/march-2021-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check with device manufacturer for available security updates. 2. Apply March 2021 or later security patches. 3. Reboot device after patch installation. 4. Verify patch applied via security patch level.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict ioctl access
linuxLimit ioctl system call access through SELinux/AppArmor policies to reduce attack surface
# Requires custom SELinux policy: allow <domain> <type>:ioctl { read write };
# AppArmor: deny /dev/msm* ioctl,
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application vetting and installation controls to prevent malicious apps
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device security patch level: Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. If before March 2021, likely vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level shows March 2021 or later. Check with manufacturer for specific chipset firmware updates.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Use-after-free kernel warnings (dmesg)
- Application crashes with ioctl-related errors
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable; local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Device logs showing: 'kernel: use-after-free' OR 'kernel: msm_ioctl' with crash indicators